Chelsea set to HIJACK Arsenal's next signing after Riccardo Calafiori

Bence Bocsák

• Updated: 22 Jul 2024 07:00 CDT
• 4 min read

Arsenal are closing in on the transfer of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna but are already plotting their next move in the market, with a Euro 2024 winner expected to head to the Emirates Stadium, according to reports. However, Chelsea have also reportedly entered the race for his signature.

Mikel Arteta's men have momentum in the transfer market and are now seeking to complete the deal for a holding midfielder, which is a position that has been on their shortlist from the beginning of the market.

Reports in Spain indicate that Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad will be the next arrival at the Emirates Stadium after a deal for Calafiori has been wrapped up. Although Chelsea could disrupt Arsenal's pursuit.

READ MORE: Why Arsenal's Calafiori transfer makes a MOCKERY of Man Utd's Yoro deal

Current ETV

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino

M (C)

Real Sociedad

€21.2M

ETV Range

€15.9M - €26.5M

View full profile

Football Transfers reported exclusively earlier this summer that Arsenal have targeted Merino and have put him on the club's shortlist of targets.

Now Sport has claimed that Arsenal are ready to make a move and will be looking to bring in Merino to the club in the next few weeks.

However, Arsenal are not the only Premier League club eyeing a move. According to journalist Roberto Gomez speaking on Radio Marca, Chelsea are also interested in Merino and would like to bring him to Stamford Bridge

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Merino on Arsenal's and Chelsea's transfer radar

The Spain international caught the eye at Euro 2024 this summer. He wasn't a regular starter in the Spanish team but came on and played a pivotal role in his country's success - including scoring a spectacular winner in extra-time against Germany.

Merino has also been in great form at club level with Real Sociedad last season. He helped the club secure a place in the Europa League and was one of the best performers in his position in La Liga.

At 28 years old, he would provide experience to Arteta's and Enzo Maresca's squads and could become a valuable addition.

Merino has even played in the Premier League in the past, representing Newcastle United back in the 2017/18 season.

With just two years left on his contract at Real Sociedad, now is the moment for Arsenal to pounce. Arteta's side and Chelsea will both be keen to strike a financially favourable deal.

However, Sociedad will not want to let Merino go on the cheap either. Having become a European Championship winner, the midfielder's stock is high.

Arsenal are keen to get a deal done for around €25m but it is doubtful whether that will be enough to secure Merino's signature.

One thing is for certain, Merino is definitely on Arsenal's radar. But only time will tell whether he is indeed the next to come through the doors at the Emirates after Calafiori finally completes his move. And Chelsea could have the last say.